Hi there,

I've a question regarding the way seat assignment works for Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines flights.

Before check-in time, you can of course select a seat and pay for the seat selection.
23 hours before the flight, check-in opens. Some airlines don't assign seats automatically and they let you choose at the moment you check-in (online). Some airlines assign seats automatically, so at check-in you may only switch to the seats that were not filled automatically.

What approach does Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines take? (both flights to and from the USA)

Reason for my question, when airlines do not automatically assign seats it may be wise to set an alarm and be the first to pick the seats you like. This way you avoid costs for seat selection, but have a pretty reasonable change you end up in the seats you want (if those were still available > 23 hours before the flight). Especially if you travel with your family (4 person) and have a connection flight , the seat assignment can get pretty expensive (4 legs..).
On the other hand, if seat assignment is done automatically, the changes that your seats (in the same booking) are assigned together by the system would be higher is my assumption.

Thanks for your help!